Looking for something to do over the winter break? Consider taking a Winter Session online course. It’s a great way to get ahead on college credits, focus on one course, and improve your overall G.P.A. from wherever you are.
With 100-plus courses offered this year, you’re sure to find one for you. We’ve compiled a list of some of the options below.
If you don’t see a class that’s for you, then browse the entire list at ONLINE.ILLINOIS.EDU/WINTER. Be sure to sign up when you register for Spring 2021 classes to secure your spot.
ASTR 330: Extraterrestrial Life (3 credit hours)
Have you ever gazed up into the sky and wondered if there is life beyond Earth? This course offers a scientific discussion of the search for extraterrestrial life. Topics include cosmic evolution (protons to heavy elements to molecules), terrestrial evolution (chemical, biological, and cultural), high technology searches for extraterrestrial life in the solar system (Mars, Venus, outer planets); and beyond the solar system (Drake equation and current SETI projects).
JOUR 453: Crisis Communication (3 hours)
Public figures, Fortune 500 companies, beloved brands. We’ve seen them take missteps, even fall from grace. So how do they recover? In this course, students learn first-hand when they take on the role of a public relations/public affairs officer. They will learn how to deal with the media when managing a crisis for a client, whether a multinational corporation or a professional athlete. Students will use case studies of actual events to examine how the media dealt with the crisis. And they will get a look at the inner-workings of a major PR firm devoted to telling the truth while managing the message.
RST 224: Politics of the National Parks (3 hours)
News agencies reported the COVID-19 pandemic has been driving people to our national parks, where they can enjoy the great outdoors at a safe distance from others. This course examines the politics of national parks in the United States, including their creation and local support for or opposition to them. It also examines park policy and policy questions such as the value of wilderness ecosystem management, endangered species protection, and role of parks in national identity and remembrance of events such as the Civil War, the Indian Wars, and the Civil Rights Movement.
CHLN 100: Contemporary Health (3 hours)
This course examines concepts of health and health promotion in contemporary society with emphasis on a healthy lifestyle for individuals and groups. Topics include self-care, health insurance, exercise, nutrition and weight control, sexuality, contraception, tobacco, alcohol, cardiovascular health, infectious diseases, and cancer.
SOC 101: Sociology of Gender (3 hours)
This course will explore current questions of gender and their applications to students today. It will focus primarily on the United States emphasizing individual, interactional, and institutional aspects of the social world. Topics for study include sociological research on femininities, masculinities, gendered bodies, socialization, work, family, politics, sport, and sexualities.
ANSC 207: Companion Animal Biology & Care (3 hours)
Get an introduction to companion animal biology by examining the physical structure, nutrition, behavior, and reproduction of animal species most commonly kept as companions. The information is applied to discussions of basic preventative health care. While largely focused on cats and dogs, other mammals, birds, and reptiles will be briefly considered. Legal and economic issues and ethical considerations associated with companion animals are also incorporated into the course discussion.
THEA 101: Introduction to Theatre Arts (3 hours)
Non-theater majors can unleash their imagination and creativity in this introductory course. Students will learn about acting, design, directing, dramaturgy, and playwriting, along with a survey of theatrical history, minority theater, and plays by women.
ESE 118: Natural Disasters (3 hours)
This course introduces the nature, causes, risks, effects, and prediction of natural disasters including earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, subsidence, global climate change, severe weather, coastal erosion, floods, mass extinctions, and meteorite impacts; covers scientific principles and case histories of natural disasters as well as human responses (societal impact, mitigation strategies, and public policy).